Brass in Concert reaches 40th year

Cory Band and conductor, Philip Harper, notched up a fourth major contest title at the 40th Brass in Concert Championships, completing a historic calendar year grand slam – Dr. Richard Jones was present to sample the Welsh dragons’ last slaying of 2016

In last month’s preview of Brass in Concert, I paid tribute to a legacy that had encompassed the event over its existence. Little did I know that this musical legacy and ethos would be as prevalent as it transpired to be on the 40th birthday of this great event.

For the second year in succession, Cory Band took top honours, producing a performance that oozed class, control, confidence and a band sound that was equivalent to the running of a majestic Rolls Royce. Having a more than favourable last band draw, Cory quite simply blew the competition away with outstanding soloists, tight ensemble, slick presentation and an innovative programme of new music tailored to its strengths by the band’s ever-impressive Musical Director, Philip Harper. Following the results, I had a chance to talk to half of Cory’s bass section: Timothy Evans (second Bb bass) and Kate James (second Eb bass), both of whom affirmed that their conductor’s knowledge and understanding of his players contributed greatly to the band’s success.

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